Sweat has been running and pulses beating with the Friars working hard in pre-season to atone for the disappointing end to last year. We have had 91 different senior players train throughout the 16 sessions of pre-season so far. We have welcomed a number of new players as well as several returning players, all listed later in the bulletin. Combine these new additions with the 16 players from last year’s U/19’s and there is a real buzz in the air!
We have been really fortunate to have the services of Mark “ROBBO” Roberts whose enthusiasm and experience has our lads significantly fitter this year then last. Robbo has developed a football specific running program which he has inflicted on the boys over the past 6 weeks (in addition to the 6 weeks prior to Xmas). “Money in the Bank” has been the catchcry at Box Hill Athletics Club of a Monday night and I have no doubt that we will have a number of players who enter this season in the best condition of their careers! We aim to get out of the blocks strongly this year and our fitness will be a key to that!
As the President previously mentioned the players have been fantastic with their commitment to training throughout pre-season. Throughout the pre-season the players have had access to facilities that would be the envy of many other clubs with the bottom oval in the best condition that I have ever seen it and access to the new gym Tuesday & Thursday nights. The access to the new gym has been presided over by Tony Mitchell, who I thank for his dedication, professionalism and unequivocal belief in the Friars.
The club has also appointed recently retired champ Ben Janson to the medical team to assist Peter Bullock and his team of trainers. BJ’s attendance on Thursday nights and screening processes for potential injuries has the coaching staff better informed then ever and a number of players working on modified or individual training regimes!
Special note needs to go the following players who have lead the attendance over the past 16 sessions, I’m sure their rewards will reflect their efforts
First Name |
Last Name |
Trainings attended |
% Trainings attended |
Brendan |
Stafford |
16 |
100% |
Luke |
Kaldor |
15 |
94% |
Aaron |
Kenez |
15 |
94% |
Paul |
Stagg |
15 |
94% |
Rowan |
Mattinson |
14 |
88% |
Mitch |
Geilings |
14 |
93% |
Robert |
Brosolo |
13 |
81% |
Adam |
Pearson |
13 |
81% |
Greg |
Power |
13 |
81% |
Ryan |
Storey |
13 |
81% |
Joe |
Urbano |
13 |
81% |
James |
Brooks |
12 |
75% |
John |
Daou |
12 |
75% |
Luke |
Griffith |
12 |
75% |
James |
Waters |
12 |
75% |
Adam |
Woods |
12 |
75% |
We are now only a week and a bit away from our first practice match against Monash Blues which the players are eagerly anticipating. We have 3 games out at the Uni and I believe that Monash will provide us with a test of where we are at presently!
Following that game we have a squad of 53 players going to Adelaide to defend the honour of Victorian football and retain the shield that we won from Blackfriars last year. This weekend presents the players with a wonderful opportunity to play a determined opponent on a beautiful ground and have some time to bond as a unit! I know the boys will represent Whitefriars Old Collegians with great pride.
We round out our practice matches with a bout against Old Geelong on the main oval after Easter. It has been many moons since we have been able to play a pre-season fixture on our ground and we are extremely grateful to the College for their support with this!
Anyway at the half way mark of our pre-season I believe we are well placed to improve on our performances from last year!
Hope to see as many faces around the club as possible as your support is critical to us throughout the year!
Feuta
Last Modified on 12/03/2010 20:09